Alsike Clover

Not listed does not mean safe.

Ivar Leidus · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo source · shows: Trifolium hybridum

Trifolium hybridum

Family: Fabaceae (ASPCA lists: Leguminosae) · ASPCA plant record

Verdict at a glance

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🐴 Horses⚠ ToxicASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants

A 1989 review in the Canadian Veterinary Journal says alsike clover (Trifolium hybridum) has been implicated in two horse diseases: photosensitivity and a fatal liver syndrome called "alsike clover poisoning". Full note

🐰 Rabbits! CautionWHRS Class 3: low-level toxin

Evidence by animal

Sourced plant verdicts — read the original wording and scope
Animal	Verdict	Basis	Plant parts	Sources	Evidence link
Horses & livestock
Horses	Horses: ⚠ Toxic	Species note A 1989 review in the Canadian Veterinary Journal says alsike clover (Trifolium hybridum) has been implicated in two horse diseases: photosensitivity and a fatal liver syndrome called "alsike clover poisoning". It concludes the experimental evidence is not enough to prove alsike clover is the cause. This does not change ASPCA's listing. It is concluded that the existing experimental evidence is insufficient to prove that Trifolium hybridum is the cause of alsike clover poisoning. Alsike clover poisoning: A review Species note A 1991 Alberta study of 49 horses diagnosed with "alsike clover poisoning" (1973-1988) found liver lesions and cases matching areas where alsike clover is grown. The author still says the evidence is not strong enough to name alsike clover as the cause. The evidence is not strong enough to incriminate alsike clover as the etiology. Hepatic disease in Alberta horses: A retrospective study of 'alsike clover poisoning' (1973-1988)	Not specified	ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants Poison control	evidence
Small mammals
Rabbits	Rabbits: ! Caution	WHRS Class 3: low-level toxin	Not specified	Wisconsin House Rabbit Society Rescue/education group	evidence

Source excerpts

ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants — Horses

poison-control

Toxic to Horses

Source checked 2026-11-03

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Wisconsin House Rabbit Society — Classes of Toxic Plants — Rabbits

rescue-education

WHRS Class 3: low-level toxin · Wisconsin House Rabbit Society chapter list (G. Flentke, 2012): Class 3 — "Low risk plants": "Low-level toxins or toxins that herbivores, such as rabbits, routinely handle better than non-herbivore species" (list heading: "Low Level Toxins"). WHRS says to watch the rabbit for signs of poisoning.

Alsike Clover

Source checked 2026-10-27

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No evidence collected in this database yet for 21 animals

No evidence collected in this database yet for: Cats, Dogs, Guinea pigs, Hamsters, Rats, Mice, Chinchillas, Ferrets, Pet birds (general), Parrots (macaws, Amazons, African greys…), Budgerigars (budgies), Cockatiels, Lovebirds, Canaries, Finches, Pigeons & doves, Tortoises, Bearded dragons, Iguanas, Goats, Chickens & other poultry

No supported claim has been collected for these animals. Not listed does not mean safe; do not infer suitability from another species.

Toxic principles

ASPCA, as published: Unknown Source

Clinical signs

ASPCA, as published: "Dew poisoning" - sunburn, skin ulcers; "Big liver disease" - liver failure Source

Last verified (ASPCA record): 2026-11-03.

Source access dates and limitations.

Similar plants (same family)

Shared family is not a shared verdict. Check each plant separately.